Coptic priests, Bedouin women, and a blue-tinted photo of famous belly dancer Dina’s renowned tummy – these are some of the subjects of the latest photography exhibition on display at the German Embassy in Zamalek.
“Ten Years of Photography in Egypt, an exhibition by German artist Claudia Wiens, opened last Monday, featuring 25 photographs – in color as well as black and white.
The featured photographs do not share a unifying theme; rather, their subjects cover an array of settings and feature people from all walks of life within Egyptian society: the wealthy and the poor, from Cairo and from rural areas.
When asked about the message she wanted to convey to her audience with her work, Wiens said, “My approach, especially in Egypt, is to show normal, daily life. In the big media, there is always a focus on war, terrorism, fundamentalism, suppressed women – all these stereotypes.
The exhibition is part of the embassy’s 18-month-long efforts to promote cultural and artistic exchange between Egypt and Germany by presenting works of artists from both countries. The event was inaugurated by German Ambassador Bernd Erbel and President of the Arab Writers Union Mohamed Salmawy.
Ambassador Erbel opened the event with a few welcoming words, followed by a short speech by Salmawy, who referred to legendary Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz and his ability to depict authentic Egyptian life in the traditional neighborhoods of Cairo.
Salmawy praised Wiens’ exquisite work and likened her ability to capture the heart and soul of Egypt to that of Mahfouz.
Wiens has been living in Egypt for the past 10 years and speaks fluent Arabic. Living here, she said, has helped her to connect with the subjects of her photographs on a more personal level.
Wiens’ work encapsulates the vibrant essence of Egyptian life, and her commitment to establishing relationships with her subjects shines through her work.
For example, Wiens spent many days in the impoverished neighborhood of Bulaq observing and befriending car mechanics. As a result, she was able to capture their daily lives accurately, which is exhibited in the intimacy of her photos, which avoid seeming intrusive.
“It’s proven through her photos that she has deep insight, Erbel told Daily News Egypt.
Wiens added, “I am really trying to show daily life like in any other part of the world. They are not concerned about war. They are just trying to survive, having a job, enjoying themselves, thinking about love and passion and happiness . normal things.
The photographs were all taken throughout her 10-year stay in Egypt, which made it difficult to select the photos to display in her exhibition.
“Yeah, that was quite a process, she said with a smile.
At the opening, “Ten Years of Photography in Egypt was set to be on display indefinitely because, according to Wiens, Ambassador Erbel would like to adorn the embassy walls with the photographs for as long as possible.
For more about Wiens’ professional work, visit: http://claudiawiens.com. Contact the German Embassy in Zamalek on 02 2728 2000.
